Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in your hand and wrist. The orthopedic specialists at Premier Podiatry and Orthopedics are here to help you find relief and regain comfortable, confident hand function.

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Introduction

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into your hand, becomes compressed as it passes through the wrist. This can lead to pain, tingling, and weakness in the hand, especially in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term nerve damage and restore normal hand function.

What is the Carpal Tunnel?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist formed by bones and a strong ligament. The median nerve and several tendons pass through this space. When the tunnel becomes crowded, the nerve can become pinched, leading to the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Repetitive hand movements, wrist anatomy, and certain health conditions can increase the risk of nerve compression.

How Do I Know if I Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Symptoms often develop gradually and can include:

Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, or part of the ring finger
Pain in the wrist or hand, sometimes extending up the arm
Weakness or a tendency to drop objects
Tingling that worsens at night or with repetitive wrist movements
Difficulty performing fine motor tasks such as buttoning or typing.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, nerve tests, and sometimes imaging to assess the condition of the nerve.

Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Many patients improve with non-surgical treatments, such as:

Wrist splints to keep the wrist in a neutral position, especially at night
Activity modifications to reduce repetitive stress on the wrist
Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling
Physical therapy or nerve-gliding exercises to improve movement and relieve pressure
Corticosteroid injections in some cases to reduce inflammation

Do I Need Surgery?

Surgery may be recommended if symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, if there is progressive weakness, or if nerve tests show significant compression. Carpal tunnel release surgery relieves pressure on the median nerve, with the goal of restoring sensation and strength in the hand.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery varies depending on the severity of nerve compression and whether surgery is performed, with the goal of preserving nerve and hand function. Most people notice improvement within a few weeks of starting conservative care. After surgery, therapy is important to optimize wrist motion, strength, and function.

The orthopedic specialists at Premier Podiatry and Orthopedics will guide your rehabilitation and tailor your recovery plan to help you regain hand strength, prevent recurrence, and safely return to daily activities and work tasks.

References

Shapiro LM, Kamal RN. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons/ASSH Clinical Practice Guideline Summary Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2025;33(7):e356-e366. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-24-01179.

Keith MW, Masear V, Amadio PC, et al. Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2009;17(6):397-405. doi:10.5435/00124635-200906000-00008.

Padua L, Cuccagna C, Giovannini S, et al. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Updated Evidence and New Questions. Lancet Neurol. 2023;22(3):255-267. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(22)00432-X.